‘Sad and Disappointing’ – Nico Hulkenberg Takes a Major Dig at F1 Teams

Nico Hulkenberg hasn’t had a permanent seat in Formula One since leaving Renault at the end of the 2019 season. However, the German driver did fill in for Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez on two separate occasions last year but failed to get teams to sign for next season.

Now with the opportunities closing in Formula One, Hulkenberg has questioned some of the teams for their choice of drivers. He feels a bit disappointed but knows that’s the way things work in Formula One.

Nico Hulkenberg questions some of the drivers on the current F1 grid

The German driver has been out of a permanent seat since 2019. So it is understandable that he is disheartened not to secure a seat since but also questions some of the teams regarding their choice of driver they hired.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Hulkenberg said, “Yeah, definitely. I’ve got to be realistic there, that this train probably has left, especially given today’s current situation.”It is what it is. Obviously, as a driver, you’re part of the process of the decision, but the teams ultimately take the decisions and some teams have some questionable taste or decision-making!”

MONZA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Renault Sport F1 looks on in the garage during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

“And yeah, it’s a bit of an interesting situation in F1 in general at the moment. I feel like the top 10 drivers, maybe 12, they are really high quality and real top-notch drivers. And then the bottom half, the quality is not as high as it used to be. And there is a lot of other factors in there.”

“So obviously, from my point of view it’s a little sad and disappointing to see that, but that’s just the way it is,” Hulkenberg explained.

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The German is Aston Martin’s reserve driver

Last season Hulkenberg was called in to fill for Stroll at the British Grand Prix, and later to fill in for Perez at the 70th Grand Prix. When Racing Point transitioned in Aston Martin for the 2021 season, they opted for Hulkenberg to be their reserve driver. While they signed Sebastian Vettel in place of Perez and retained Stroll.

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Racing Point reacts in parc ferme during the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone in Northampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

However, Nico hasn’t been called up for any of the races so far this season. And with five races remaining till the end of the season, his chances of being behind the wheel of an F1 car look slim.

Do you think the grid will see the return of Hulkenberg in the future? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Read More: Ex-McLaren F1 Driver Joins Hulkenberg in the Race for the Arrow McLaren SP Indy Seat

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